Thursday, May 5, 2011

Plant extracts, premium nutrients, and braineffect.

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I noticed that it is hard to find a list of nutrients that support brain function, so I put one together here. Below is a list of useful plants and a brief description of each.  I’m also providing links to sites where you can find more information, but at least this will get you started. 

A product called BrainEffect Premium has all the ingredients described below, so I’ll link you to the product page in case you are ready to try a supplement and do not want to buy these ingredients separately: http://www.brain-effect.com/en

Acerola
Acerola is a fruit with a lot of vitamin C, and it also has vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin. Because of the high Vitamin C Content, it has been used to by people suffering from scurvy, the common cold, and other conditions for which vitamin C is known to be beneficial. At WebMD.com it is mentioned in relation to tooth decay, gum infection, depression, hay fever, collogen disorders, and improving physical endurance.
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-608-acerola.aspx?activeIngredientId=608&activeIngredientName=acerola

Ascophylum Nodosum Ascophyllum Nodosum is brown seaweed, also known as “rockweed” and “Norwegian Kelp.” It is often found in the northern Atlantic. It contains a lot of vitamins and minerals as well as a lot of iodine. In fact, one of the disadvantages is that it may contain too much iodine and that high doses can be unsafe for that reason.
http://www.dietspotlight.com/ascophyllum-nodosum-review/

Ginkgo Biloba Extract Ginkgo has antioxidant and neuroprotective values, and it has been used by people with cerebral insufficiency, cognitive impairment, dementia, peripheral vascular disease, premenstrual syndrome, schizophrenia, tinnitus, and vertigo. During the last ice age, which began two million years ago, Ginkgo Biloba almost became extinct. We are lucky it did not become extinct, because its flavonoids function as free radical scavengers, it has a number of valuable benefits, and it is one of the most widely used medicines in Europe, but in the United States it is still sold only as a nutritional supplement.
http://www.drugs.com/npp/ginkgo.html

Green Coffee Extract Green coffee beans have anti-oxidant properties similar to those in green tea and grape seed extract. They have “polyphenols,” which function to reduce free radicals in the body. Green coffee bean extract includes Chlorogenic Acid, the compound responsible for many of the health benefits associated with coffee.
http://www.raysahelian.com/greencoffee.html

Green Tea Extract Green tea extract is taken from the green tea leaves as a way of collecting the catechins and antioxidants that are associated with various health benefits. Many believe that it is useful for improving cardiovascular circulation and reducing bad cholesterol (LDL). Some claim that green tea extract can help with appetite suppression, improved oxidation of fat. The recommended composition according to a write up at Suite101 is 55% EGCG and 90% polyphenols. (see link below). “A daily dose correlates to approximately two cups of green tea per day, or 200-400mg of EGCG per day.” Suite101: Green Tea Extract: Benefits and Possible Side Effects | Suite101.com http://www.suite101.com/content/green-tea-extract-benefits-and-possible-side-effects-a243279#ixzz1LVmiARXw

Guarana Extract
Guarana is a shrubbery native to northern Brazil and Venezuela. Guarana is also known as Brazilian cocoa, paullinia, cupana, guarana bread, zoom and guarana gum or paste. Usually, it is ingested as a powder or mixed juice or water. It is used as a stimulant, often by people interested in weight loss because of its metabolism-boosting effects. It is also reported by many to boost energy and performance. Other common uses of Guarana are for cardiovascular health, stress relief, pain control, digestive problems, and migraine headaches.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/192137-what-is-guarana-extract/#ixzz1LVm6EIa4

L-Carnitine
Carnitine is created naturally by the body and helps to turn fat into energy. It is produced in the liver and kidneys and stored in muscles, heart, brain, and sperm.According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it helps to reduce oxidative stress and often is taken by sufferers of Alzheimer's Disease, Memory Impairment, Male Infertility, Erectile Dysfunction, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/carnitine-l-000291.htm

Maca Powder
The “Superfood of the Andes,” maca is an adaptogen that is known for a calming effect produced by calcium, phosphorus, vitamins B1 and B12 , and fatty acids, and these support the nervous system. It also supports digestion with calcium, vitamins B1 and B2, B12, and fatty acids. It also has phosphorus, which is necessary for the production of fuels Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) and glucose-6-phosphate (G6P). Additionally, it supports the function of the adrenal glands! The sterols, calcium, and vitamin C help build muscle mass and its starches support physical endurance. It has such a wide variety of benefits that it is no wonder Maca has been called a superfood.
http://www.macaroot.com/benefits/index.html

Omega 3 Powder
Omega-3 is a long-chain polyunsaturated essential fatty acids that are essential for human health. Widely renowned for its variety of health benefits, it has been used to support: brain activity; heart and circulatory system; visual capacities; nervous system; immune system; and cell communication.

I'll add to that list as I gather more information.  If you want to contribute, please contact me at brainhealthreview@gmail.com 



***A product from Germany called BrainEffect Premium has all the ingredients described above, so if you want to skip past the research and order a product that offers all-of-the-above, here it is. For your convenience I’ll list the amount of each active ingredient:
Guarana-extract 400mg
Caffeine (from Guarana) 60mg
Omega-3-powder 50mg
Ascophylum Nodosum 50mg
Maca-powder 200mg
Green-tea-extract 60mg
Acerola 60mg
Ginkgo-Biloba-extract 50mg
L-Carnitine 180mg
Green-coffee-extract 10mg



****These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. 
None of the information or substances described here are intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.